Jack Norton

Mr. Jack Norton, age 85, peacefully passed away from prostate cancer on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his residence. Jack Norton was born June 9, 1936, in Marion, NC to James Norman Norton II and Claudia Ellis Norton. He grew up in Spruce Pine, NC. He was a talented basketball and football standout in high school. After a few incidents of dynamite explosions occurred in his hometown, he was encouraged to join the Marines.

Jack chose to attend Appalachian State University to obtain his BA and MA in English. In 1966, he became an instructor at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, GA. He retired in 1996 and taught part time until 1998.

Jack was a very competitive runner. He won or placed in his age group in many of the races that he participated in throughout Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina. At 83 years old, Jack continued to work out at an area health club a minimum of five days a week. He also enjoyed sharing his love of running with family and friends. He coached a number of young runners that either set school records or achieved state records in road racing.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James Norman Norton II and Claudia Ellis Norton. In addition to his parents, his second wife Sharyn Kay Norton, and their daughter Claudia June Norton also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his first wife, Sheila Dale Norton of Baza, France and his current wife of 33 years, Barrie Barfield Norton; his sons, Nicolas Travis Norton (Magali) of Baza, France, Clinton Dale Norton (Sophie) of New Canaan, Connecticut and Nathaniel Jack Norton of Americus; five grandchildren, Julian Norton, Electa Norton, Mila Norton, and twins Saskia, and Twila Norton; three great grandsons, Lorenzo Norton, Sacha Norton, and Jules Norton.

We would like to thank Phoebe Hospice, Dr. Michael Raines, Pastor Mike Truitt, Veronica Arline, Jeanne Elder, Mary Jones and Suzanne Nordwall for their kindness and dignity shown toward Jack and our family during this time.

We would also like to thank Phoebe Sumter Oncology doctors, nurses, and any staff member that participated in Jack's medical care over the past few years.